Regulatory
and economic pressures have forced Vermont’s farmers to explore new or innovative technology-based
agricultural alternatives or solutions to remain competitive. Technology-based
agricultural alternatives or solutions, such as renewable energy development,
lessen the regulatory burden on agriculture, provide farms with new revenue
sources, encourage increased participation of young Vermonters in agriculture,
and help ensure the success of statewide environmental programs, such as the
Clean and Clear Action Plan. Consequently, the General Assembly should
encourage the agency of agriculture, food and markets to study and develop
multiple technology-based agricultural alternatives and solutions to help
sustain the dairy industry, livestock farms, and other agricultural sectors in Vermont.

Sec. 2. 6 V.S.A. § 4710(g) is added to read:

(g)(1) The agricultural economic
development special account is established as a dedicated sub-account of the
Vermont farm viability enhancement program special fund. There shall be deposited
in such account any monies:

(A) Appropriated by the general
assembly to the account; and

(B) Received by the state or
the secretary of agriculture, food and markets from any source, public or
private, for use for any of the purposes for which the account was established.

(2) The fund shall only be used
for the purposes of:

(A) Encouraging private
investment in the economic initiative; and

(B)
Providing incentives for technology businesses, determined by the agency of
agriculture, food and markets to provide critical technological solutions, for
the growth of Vermont’s agricultural economy.

Sec. 3. INNOVATIVE
AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT

The agency of agriculture, food
and markets under subdivision 4710(a)(3) of Title 6 shall develop an economic
initiative to recruit and provide assistance to businesses developing and
commercializing innovative technologies for farm-based energy and nutrient
management. In administering the initiative, the secretary shall:

(1) Encourage businesses
utilizing or providing emerging and existing technology to locate, develop, and
grow in Vermont, with a concentration on:

(2) Collaborate with the
department of economic development, the Vermont center for
emerging technologies, state and federal agencies, and private entities to
recruit, develop, coordinate, and provide technical and financial assistance to
businesses utilizing or providing emerging and existing technology in Vermont.

(3) Explore and utilize
technology and financial incentives to advance and stabilize Vermont’s
livestock industry and other agricultural sectors with emphasis on achieving: